Zeekr, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, is incorporating Minima’s blockchain technology to establish a tokenized platform for secure reservations at charging stations.
The decentralized blockchain network, Minima, is partnering with the European division of Zeekr to introduce a charging solution that aims to enhance access to charging facilities.
In a press statement, Minima indicated that this system could help fill gaps in infrastructure by enabling electric vehicle owners to share their home chargers through a blockchain-based reservation system.
With the integration of Minima’s blockchain into Zeekr wallboxes, owners would have the capability to make their chargers available for reservation. Zeekr users would then be able to book charging times, potentially improving access to chargers that may otherwise go unused.
“By collaborating with Zeekr, we are demonstrating how blockchain and community-focused solutions can tackle real-world issues, providing enhanced flexibility, security, and convenience to the electric vehicle ecosystem.”
Hugo Feiler, co-founder and CEO of Minima
The platform will utilize Minima’s network to create a secure access control token, which functions as a digital key for the charging station, ensuring that only those authorized can use the charger while safeguarding user privacy.
A notable aspect of this system is its capability to operate offline. Even in the absence of internet connectivity, Minima asserts that its blockchain permits transactions to continue through local connections such as Bluetooth. The companies claim this feature could ensure continuous charging across various environments.
Zeekr joins the growing list of Chinese automotive companies exploring blockchain technology, which has been a focal point of industry experiments for several years. In 2018, BYD, an EV and battery manufacturer from Shanghai, announced plans to implement a carbon banking system utilizing the VeChainThor blockchain across its fleet.
VeChain’s initiative aimed to monitor vehicle data throughout the automotive sector, representing one of the first significant efforts to place millions of cars, buses, and trains on a public blockchain.